The Punjab Cabinet Committee on Peace and Order on Friday approved the extension of Section 144 across the province until November 1 to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.

The committee’s 39th meeting was held at the Home Department under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister for Health and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Peace and Order, Khawaja Salman Rafique.

Provincial Minister Shafay Hussain attended the meeting in person, while Provincial Minister Bilal Akbar Khan joined via video link.

Officials from the Home Department and law enforcement agencies also briefed the committee on the overall security situation and ongoing efforts to repatriate illegal Afghan residents.

The committee reviewed in detail the province-wide security measures, especially in light of recent challenges, and directed all departments to ensure the implementation of Section 144 to preserve peace and public order.

Salman Rafique emphasised that protecting citizens’ lives and property remains the state’s foremost priority.

He said elements promoting extremism and intolerance through social media were being dealt with firmly, adding that the government would not allow anyone to disrupt communal harmony.

Shafay Hussain highlighted the crucial role of religious scholars in promoting unity among different sects, saying that their cooperation was vital for lasting peace.

Bilal Akbar Khan said that, as per the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, law enforcement agencies were working round-the-clock to maintain peace and stability across Punjab.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring the safety of citizens, and eliminating extremism in all forms.